Range and view finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewith



y 1939' E. s. HINELINE RANGE AND VIEW FINDER AND CAMERA MECHANISMFUNCTIONALLY EQUIYPED THEREWITH Filed July 23, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 1ATTORNEYS July 25, 1939. E. s. HINELINE RANGE AND VIEW FINDER AND CAMERAMECHANISM FUNCTIONALLY EQUIPPED THEREWITH 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July23, 1957 %z.' ATTORNEYS y 25, 1939- E. s. HINELINE RANGE AND VIEW FINDERAND CAMERA MECHANISM FUNCTIONALLY EQUIPPED THEREWITB ww mv aw m ln NINVENTOR. $275021, SLEBzEZL'nC $31 6 %z's ATTORNEYS July 25, 1939. E. s.HINELINE 2,167,435

RANGE AND VIEW FINDER AND CAMERA MECHANISM FUNCTIONALLY EQUIPPEDTHEREWITH Filed July 23, 1957 6 ShetS-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

mon fi'itezirbe %i$ ATTORNEYS RANGE AND VIEW FINDER AND CAMRA MECHANISMFUNCTIONALLY EQUIPPED THEREWITH Filed July 23, 19157 6 Sheets-Sheet 5INVENTOR. a Jason/Shane Az2s ATTORNEYS y 25, 1939- E. s. HINELINE2,167,435

RANGE AND VIEW FINDER AND CAMERA MECHANISM FUNCTIONALLY EQUIPPEDTHEREWITH Filed July 25, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. ZZZS'OM5.526227% BY Z 63 21 W- k) 404% %z's ATTORNEYS Patented July 25, 1939UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RANGE AND VIEW FINDER AND CAMERA MECHANISMTHEREWITH FUNCTIONALLY EQUIPPED Application July 23, 1937, Serial No.155,259

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a combination range finder and view finder anda means for interconnecting the same so that the range finder adjustmentas to distances will correlate with the adjustment of the objective lensin the camera when it is in focus at a like distance; the invention alsorelates to the camera structure to which the said parts are functionallyadapted and applied.

It is well known that there have been invented several different typesof range finders and different types of view finders, and that certaintypes of range finders have been interconnected or caused to track withthe lens of a camera. The present invention, however, discloses a uniquemethod of interconnecting the front board or lens carrying member of acamera with a range finder, and it is so constructed that severaldifferent lenses can be used on the camera, which lenses can be used atvarious times in conjunction with the range finder and caused to tracktherewith. The interconnecting means between the range finder and thefront structure or lens carrying structure of the camera is at all timespermanently connected, and this interconnecting means is caused to foldor unfold as the camera is extended or compressed.

I will now more fully disclose the operation of the combination rangefinder and view finder in conjunction with a photographic camera. Forpurposes of illustration I have chosen to illustrate said finders inconnection with the well known Press type of camera.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the camera with the door open, showingthe placement of the range finder on top of the camera in relation tothe front board and the lens;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is in part a top plan view, and in part a horizontal section,taken through the range finder and showing the relationship of thevarious parts of the range finder to the camera working parts;

Fig. 4 is a partial, horizontal, longitudinal section through Fig. 1,showing the placement of the range finder actuating mechanism when thecamera is focused at or near infinity;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail of the cross arm of the range finderactuating mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a section on line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a section on line 'l---'! of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7a is a section on line Ia-Ia of Fig. 9;

Fig. 8 is a detail of a portion of the range finder as shown in Fig. 3,representing the location of the movable mirror when the camera isfocused at or near infinity, the arrangement of the parts of thefocusing and the interconnecting mechanism being the same as in Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is a like detail when the camera is focused at a somewhat nearerpoint, that is, a point between infinity and the camera, the arrangementof the parts of the focusing mechanism being the same as in Fig. 10;

Fig. 10 is a partial, vertical, longitudinal section through Fig. 1,showing the placement of the range finder actuating mechanism when thecamera is focused at a near distance;

Fig. 11 is a detail of Fig. 10 on a larger scale showing more clearlythe placement of parts when the camera is focused at a near distance;

Fig. 12 is a section of Fig. 11 on the line I2--l2 thereof;

Fig. 13 is a partial, vertical, longitudinal section taken through thecamera, showing the placement of the interconnecting mechanism of therange finder when the camera is in a closed position, the parts beingcollapsed or folded tightly together.

Fig. 13a is a sectional detail on the line l3a.-l3a of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 14 is a schematic layout or diagram of the various optical parts ofthe range finder.

This invention, as hereinbefore pointed out, relates to range and viewfinders and to camera mechanism functionally equipped therewith.

I am aware that in combination range finders and view finders, it hasbeen proposed to use in the optical group thereof a stationary mirror,and a second mirror which is adjustable as to the angle thereof withrespect to the first mirror, and broadly to provide some sort ofoperative connection between the pivotal support for the movable mirrorand the support for the objective lens of the camera, the same beingshown in German patent to Alard du Bois-Reymond, No. 188,342, September23, 1907, and also in the United States patent to Woodbury, No.1,238,473, August 28, 1917. Such structures, however, and other priorstructures known to me, do not provide a construction wherein the rangefinder mechanism is connected at all times with the movable front of thecamera that carries the objective lens, etc., neither do they providefor the use of any one of a plurality of objective lenses of differentfocal length with the same range finder.

In the ensuing description, I will set forth numerous advantages thatflow from my invention, the selected embodiment of which is hereinshown. I will also set forth wherein the combined range and view finderherein disclosed itself differs from the prior art. Without limiting myinvention to the structure herein disclosed, I will now specificallyrefer to the selected embodiment or example of my invention.

The box or casing of the camera is indicated at I in the various figureswherein the same is shown or indicated. It may be of any suitablecharacter and construction, although it is herein indicated as theso-called Press type of camera, commonly known as the Speed Graphic, towhich type of camera my invention is not limited, it being merely theselected embodiment of the invention. The camera shutter which may be ofany suitable type is indicated at 2 in Fig. 3 and elsewhere. The shutterset lever is indicated at 3 in Fig. 1, and also in said figure are shownthe shutter release lever at 4, the lens board at 5, the upper lensboard lock at 6, the lower lens board look at I, the side rails at 8,the side rail supports at 9, the camera front board tracks at I0, Hi,the camera front board track rack at H, the focusing knob gear orpinions at I2 in dotted lines, the focusing knob shaft at l3, thefocusing knob at l4, and the camera door or bed in its open position at|5.

Other well known parts of the camera structure are indicated in Figs. 2and 3, which need not be described in detail but which include thecamera bellows shown at l6, the camera rising front lock screw at H, thecamera front lock clamp at I8, the shutter winding knob at 9, theshutter release lever at 20, the shutter tension winding knob at 2|, theshutter tension releasing pawl at 22, the focusing cam at 23, theso-called infinity stop blocks at 24, as well as a second focusing cam25. The said two focusing cams I will hereafter refer to in detail.Excepting for the said focusing cams, the parts thus far referred to maybe of any usual or suitable structure.

Having thus briefly referred to certain well known parts, I will nextrefer to the range and view finder structure, which preferably ispermanently and rigidly connected to or built into the camera structure,and in this connection I will first refer to Figs. 2, 3, 4 and Ya.

I provide a range finder housing which is shown most clearly at 26 inFigs. 2, 3 and 7a. It is preferably an oblong box-like structure ofmetal or other suitable material, desirably formed as to the wallsthereof in one piece, and it is secured to the top of the camera box orcasing by screws 21, shown most clearly in Fig. 3. The said range finderhousing is provided with an eye piece, shown at 28 in Figs. 2 and 3, andhaving a lens indicated at 29 that is held in place by a retainingcollar 30. Within the said housing there are provided the partsconstituting the optical group and which present a novel combination inthat they include a fixed mirror or reflector, a movable mirror orrefiector and two fixed negative lenses, in addition to the magnifierlens 29 already referred to. The said parts which are most clearly shownin Fig. 3 and also somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 14, I will nowspecifically describe.

The fixed mirror or reflector is shown at 3| in both of said figures. Asshown in Fig. 3, it is supported upon the inner wall of the housing 26by clips 32, 33, suitably secured to said wall. The said mirror 3| iswhat is known as a semitransparent mirror. In the rear of the saidmirror is a view finder or negative lens 34 which is itself held inplace by a clip 35 at its upper edge and by a portion of the clipstructure 33 at its lower edge.

In the rear of the negative lens 34 is an opening 36 in line with themagnifier lens 29, the mirror 3| and the negative lens 34. At one sideof the mirror 3| is secured by screws or otherwise to the inner wall ofthe housing a bracket 31 which supports a second negative lens 38provided with a retaining ring 39. Between said negative lens 38 and themovable mirror next to be described there is provided a diaphragm 40 tomask off extraneous light.

The movable mirror to which I have referred is indicated'at 4| in Fig.3. It is shown upon a larger scale in Figs. 8 and 9. It is a so-calledfirst surface mirror. In order to move the same during the operation offunctioning of the range finder, the said mirror is carried in aswinging bracket 42, 42a which has a gear sector 43 secured to the frameby screws 43a, and which sector meshes with a small gear 44, also shownin Fig. 7a. The said gear 44 as best shown in Fig. 7a, is fast upon orformed with the upper end of the upright range finder mechanismconnecting shaft 45, which extends downward through the top wall of thecamera case, as shown in Fig. 7a. The said shaft 45 is shown also inFig. 1 as permanently positioned in the camera case close to one of theupright walls thereof.

In order to cause the mirror bracket 42 to re turn to so-called infinityposition, I have provided a coil spring 46. Preferably integral with thebracket 42, I have provided a turned-up lip 41 which, as clearly shownin Figs. 3, 8 and 9, serves as a hinge in conjunction with a thintriangular plate 48 and a pivot pin 50. The said plate 48 is held inposition on suitable posts of the range finder housing 26 by screws 5|(Figs. 3 and 8). The said housing in line with the movable mirror 4| isprovided with a small opening 52. Overlying the said opening is a glass53 which is held in place by clamps 54, 54 secured to the wall of saidhousing by screws 55, 55, shown most clearly in Fig. 9.

So far as I am aware, I am the first to provide in a range finder orlike structure an optical group consisting of two fixed negative lenses,a fixed mirror or reflector, a movable mirror or reflector and amagnifier. The said parts are all clearly shown in their relativepositions in the housing 26 in Fig. 3. They are also indicateddiagrammatically in Fig. 14 and for convenience of description I willnow refer to said figure in order that a clear understanding may be hadof the operation and functioning of the range and view finder, but willfirst describe the manner in which the operator focuses the camera.

Having opened the camera in a manner which will be described in detailhereinafter, and having pulled the front of the camera out to socalledinfinity position, the user places his eye to the magnifier lens 29 inthe tube 29. He finds an image formed upon the negative lens 34. Suchimage is the exact image in the exact area that the camera willphotograph when the exposure is made. There will also be seen by theuser a second image in the opening 52 of Fig. 3, which opening, asindicated in Fig. 1, may be of diamond shape. Such second image will besomewhat displaced from the main image seen through the negative lens34. The procedure for focusing is to turn the knob M (Fig. 1) in aclockwise direction until the said diamond shaped image correspondsexactly to the image as viewed on the negative lens 34. That is to say,on the lens 34 will be seen an image covering the entire area of saidlens 34 and also there will be seen on said lens 34 a secondary imagewhich is diamond shaped in character, if the opening 52 be of diamondshape. If a vertical line is picked out in the main image on the lens 34and a corresponding line on the secondary or diamond shaped image, itwill be easy for the user to merge said two images.

The procedure of focusing, as previously stated, is to turn the knob |4until said two images merge, and if the user is focusing on a verticalline, the vertical line, as seen in the diamond shaped image, willexactly overlie the corresponding vertical line in the image on negativelens 34. When said two images actually are superimposed, the camera isin focus.

Referring now to Fig. 14, it is to be understood that in said figure atthe top thereof, the black arrow A at the right and left indicates anobject at an indefinite distance frequently referred to as infinity. Agroup or bundle of rays from the left hand arrow A extends in a straightline, as indicated at B, through the negative lens 34, through the fixedmirror 3|, and through the magnifier lens 28, to the eye of the user.Extending from the right hand black arrow A is a straight line C,indicating a group or bundle of rays from the same object at infinity oran indefinite distance. However, the line C is in reality at such anangle that the lines B and C meet at the distant object, indicated bythe two black arrows A, A of Fig. 14, and which object may be regardedas 200 feet or more from the camera.

An image of the object indicated by the said arrow A (at the left insaid diagram, Fig. 14) will be formed on the negative lens 34, will passthrough the fixed mirror 3|, and will be viewed through the magnifyinglens 29 as object A, A, indicated by the small black arrows adjacent thesaid magnifying lens 29. The right hand black arrow A is, forconvenience of illustration and description, also shown (the shaft indouble lines) somewhat displaced therefrom at Aa. The image will travelby light rays from the said distant object along the line C, will bereflected by the movable mirror 4|, an image will be formed at the lens38, which will be reflected by the transparent mirror 3|, and said imagewill be viewed through the magnifier lens 29.

Actually two arrows would be seen both exactly overlying each other whenthe mirror 4| is in the correct angle shown in Fig. 14, in full lines.If, however, the distance of the object were considerably less from thecamera than the distance already indicated, the black arrow A at theright would appear to be displaced as indicated by the arrow Ad. In thatevent, an image of the said arrow Aa would be reflected by the mirror4|, as there shown, an image would be formed by the lens 38, it would bereflected by the mirror 3|, and the said image would be viewed as arrowAa through the magnifier lens 28. Thus the object at the remote arrow Aawould be viewed as displaced in relation to the arrow A. If the mirror4| were shifted in position, thus changing the angle between the line Cand the line D of Fig. 14, the image reflected on the mirror 3| would beagain shifted into the position of the arrow A and would be viewedthrough the magnifier 29 as the two small black arrows A, A, bothexactly coinciding with each other.

Thus, it will be evident that by shifting the position of the mirror 4|the images of an object either at a close distance or a far distance(referred to as infinity) can be made exactly to coincide as viewedthrough the magnifier lens 23.

Having thus described the combined range and view finder, and the mannerof fixedly securing the same to the camera, and having referred to theusual parts of that type of camera selected for the reception andapplication of the combined range finder and view finder, I willdescribe in detail the preferred structure whereby the said range andview finder is at all times connected to the movable camera front andthe means whereby the said range and view finder may be accurately usedeven though the objective lens of the camera be replaced by another ofdifferent focal length.

As shown most clearly in Fig. 3, there is provided a focusing distancescale 56 for a lens of a given focal length, and a like scale 51 for alens of a somewhat greater focal length. The scale 56 is held inposition upon the lens board 5 by screws 58, and the focusing scale 51is similarly held in place by screws 59, 59. The camera is provided withtrack guide rails 60 and with track shoes 6|, 6| that are permanentlyattached to the camera front.

I will next describe the preferred means for connecting at all times therange finder with the movable front of the camera, and for this purposeI will refer mainly in Figs. 4, 10, 11,12 and 13, as well as to detailsof structures shown in other figures.

In said figures, and particularly clearly in Figs. 4 and 10, there isshown a portion in section of the bellows frame at 62. Attached theretoby a bracket 63 and a rivet 64 is a toggle arm lever or bar 65. Thetoggle arm centering lever therefor is represented at 66, it beingconnected to the lever 65 by rivet 66a and to a toggle arm 68 by rivet66b. The said lever '65 is provided with lengthwise extending slots 61,61. The several lazytong arms 68 are joined together by rivets 68a, andconnected to the outer ends of the outermost of said toggle arms 68 areshort lazytong arms '69. The said arms 69 are connected together and toa part to be described by a lazy,- tong anchoring screw 10. The rivetsby which the innermost lazytong arms 68 are connected to the lever orbar 65 are indicated at Ma. A connecting link H is provided between thelazytong mechanism (which is one form of means for connecting at alltimes the range finder and the movable front of the camera) and therange finder control shaft arm which is shown at I2 in Figs. 4, 10 and13. Said link H is suitably connected in any way to the lever or bar 65and is shown as connected to the said arm 12 by a rivet 13. There isalso provided a clamp screw 14 for securing the arm 72 upon its shaft45.

I provide, as clearly shown in Fig. 13, rear camera tracks guides 15constituting the preferred construction of the embodiment of theinvention herein disclosed.

The camera movable front support, which may be of any suitableconstruction, is most clearly shown at 16 in Figs. 4, 10 and 12. Themovable door of the camera, which is shown in a down position in Figs.3, 4, 10, etc., is indicated at l5, as already stated, and the hingetherefor is indicated at 18 in Figs. 4 and 10.

I have previously referred in connection with Figs. 2 and 3 to the twofocusing earns 23, 25. I provide means, which is connected at all timesto the said camera front 16, to cooperate with whichever one of saidfocusing cams 23 or 25 is used, according to the focal length of thecamera objective lens. For this purpose I have, as shown most clearly inFigs. 4 to 7 inclusive, l8 and ii, provided a cam follower arm or member19. The said arm or member is shown as having therein lengthwiseextending slots in which are screws 8| for retaining the same inposition upon the camera front support 16. The rivet for the camera. bedclamp is indicated at 82.

The structural details of the arm or member 19 constituting the camfollower are best shown in Figs. 5, 6 and I, which, when taken with Fig.11, clearly indicate how the said arm or member cooperates with eitherfunctioning focusing cam 23 or 25. The said arm or member is providedwith a hole 84 for the reception of the screw 18 by which the shorttoggle arms '69 are connected thereto. A preferably bent end portion ofthe arm or member 19 is provided with a cam follower roller held inposition by the screw 86.

As shown most clearly in Figs. 8 and 9, there are provided a pin 8'!connected to the range finder housing 26 and a pin 88 connected to thegear sector 43. The coil spring 48, previously referred to, extendsbetween and is supported by the said pins, thus tending to turn themovable mirror 4| into the position for infinity. A stop pin 89 isprovided, as best shown in Figs. 8 and 9, to limit the motion of themirror 4| in a clockwise direction.

The preferred manner of securing the focusing cam 23 in position on thecamera bed or door i5 is shown in Fig. 11. It is there represented asattached to the camera bed or door by screws 90, which are received inslots 9|, 9| in the said cam. Adjusting screws for the said cam arerepresented at 92, 92. One of the said rails 8 has a hole 93 therein andthe cam follower arm or member 19 is provided with a hole 94, indicatedin dotted lines in Fig. 11 and in full lines in Fig. 6. Received in saidholes are the ends of a coiled spring by means of which the said bar ormember 19 is held with its roll 85 against the cam 23 or the cam 25, asthe case may be, and as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 11.

As shown most clearly in Fig. 12, one of the front board tracks III ofthe camera has a flangelike formation which is received in a groove inthe adjacent track guide rail 60, previously referred to. The sameconstruction is provided at both sides of the camera. The said rails 8|)are attached to the camera bed by screws 95, shown in Figs. 12 and 13.The infinity stop locks 24, 24, previously referred to, are adjustableon the camera tracks I0 and are held in place by lock screws 98. I willnow describe the manner in which a camera is operated that is equippedwith a range finder functionally connected therewith at all times.

As shown in Fig. 1 in dotted lines, there is provided a button 91 which,when depressed, causes the pin 98 to contact with the latch 99 anddepress it, thus causing a lip I80 to release the latch plate |0| whichis shown in Fig. 3 at the extreme right hand end thereof. The door l5 ofthe camera can then be lowered into the position best indicated in Fig.2, and the camera front 16 may now be withdrawn from the camera box. Theoperator grasps the front lock clamps l8 and pulls the camera frontoutwardly. The track shoes 6| move along the tracks l0 until the saidshoes 6| contact with the infinity stops 24, which have previously beenset, so that the camera front will be located in a correct position forso-called infinity. That is, the objective lens of the camera will belocated in correct relation to the focal plane for a sharp focus atinfinity. The camera front will at this time be in the positionindicated in Figs. 2 and 4.

The objective lens of the camera can now be moved forward to focus for anear distance by turning the said knob H of Fig. 1, so that the gear orpinion l2 which meshes with the rack moves said rack in the properdirection, and in so moving moves therewith the camera tracks I0together with the track shoes 6|, 6| and the camera front support 18which, as already stated, has mounted therein the lens and shutter 2,the lens board 5, the side rails 8, 8 and the side rail supports 9, 9,as will be readily understood.

I will now describe the manner in which the range finder and itsconnections to the movable front 16 of the camera function, and in thisconnection will refer particularly to Figs. 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Asalready pointed out, it is necessary to cause a turning movement on itsaxis to be imparted to the mirror 4| whenever the relationship of theobjective lens is changed with respect to the focal plane of the camera.Such change need take place only during that portion of the lens focallength that is actually used in taking pictures. In the disclosedembodiment of the invention, distances are indicated ranging from fivefeet to infinity, which may be considered as a distance of one hundredfeet or more. In order to cause the proper movements the mechanismconstituting the connecting means has been provided, such mechanismbeing operatively connected at all times to the camera front Hi. This ishighly desirable in a camera intended to provide for the use ofalternative lenses of dierent focal lengths. The camera herein disclosedcan be set up to take care of one or more different focal length lensesby merely moving the lens front to its several different positions. Thefocusing scale 55 of Fig. 3 is one to be used with a 5% inch lens, andthe scale 51 shown in Fig. 3 is to be used with a 6 inch lens. It is tobe understood that any number of scales may be used if a like number offocusing earns 23, 25 are provided, or if a single variable focusing camwere provided that is adjustable along the bed to the proper point.

The face I02 of the cam 23 is so shaped that when the camera front 16 ismoved forward or backward, the roller 85 on the arm or member 19 will inriding therealong cause a. lengthwise,

movement of said arm or member 19 in opposition to the coil spring 95.As the camera front is moved outward the roller 85 is caused to moveinward toward the longitudinal center of the camera and compels likemovement of the arm or member I9. To the said member 19 is connected byscrew 10 the lazytong structure that has been described. The innermostportion of the said lazytong structure is, as has been described,connected to the lever or bar 65 in such manner as to cause the lazytongto fold in a central position. The so-called lazytong structureconstitutes one form of connecting means for the purpose, but myinvention is not limited to the use of a lazytong structure for thepurpose. It will be understood from the foregoing description that ifthe camera front 18 is moved forward or backward insufliciently tofocus, no motion of the lever or bar 65 occurs, the lazytong structuremerely collapsing or distending. If, however, longitudinal movement ofthe arm or member 19 is caused by the cam 23 (or by the cam 25), theentire lazytong structure will be displaced, as shown in Fig. 10, fromnormal position, in contrast with the normal position of Fig. 4. Thiscauses movement of the lever or bar 65, as indicated in Fig. 10. Anymovement of said lever or bar 65 is transmitted to the shaft 45. This isevident from a comparison of Figs. 4 and 10. Such rocking movement ofthe shaft serves through the pinion 44 to rock the mirror 4|.

It will be observed that the permanently positioned arm or member 19 isout of the way of other operating parts, being just above the lower partof the movable camera front I6. It is unnecessary after pulling out thecamera front 16 to move manually the arm or member 19 or to make anyconnection of parts, because it is unnecessary to disassemble or todisconnect any of the parts when closing the camera.

In order to take care of the substitution of an objective lens ofdifferent focal length, it is merely necessary either to change theposition of the focusing cam 23 lengthwise along the bed, if it be ofvariable form, or preferably to employ the substitute cam 25, as alreadydescribed. The cam face I02 of the cam 23 must be of such shape as tocause the proper motion to be transmitted to the shaft 45 and so swingthe mirror 4| that it will at all times agree with the various positionsof the objective lens with respect to the focal plane.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that the mechanismis simple and rugged and easy to adjust andmaintain. When the camerafront 16 is returned to its collapsed position, as indicated in Fig. 13,the entire operating mechanism occupies a minimum amount of space and atno time needs any disconnecting and reconnecting of its parts. When thecamera is closed, the shoes 6|, 6| are received upon the said shortguide rails 15, 15, best shown in Fig. 13.

It will be understood that any rotative movement of the shaft 45 istransmitted through-the gear 44 and gear sector 43 to the mirror andmirror frame 4|, 42, so that as the camera front 16 is moved forward thesaid. mirror 4| is caused to rock about its pivot in a contraclockwisedirection, and as the camera front I6 is moved rearward in focusing thesame, the mirror 4| is caused to move in a clockwise direction about itspivot 50. The mirror and mirror frame 4|, 42 thus are caused to followany motion of the range finder mechanism and any wear that takes placewill be compensated for by the spring 46.

Having thus described one illustrative embodiment of the invention, itis to be understood that although specific terms are employed, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes oflimitation, the scope of the inven tion being set forth in the followingclaims.

I claim:

1. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewith,having in combination, a camera casing provided with a wall adapt ed tobe opened out for use as a bed, said casing having therein a frontsupport for the objective lens movable to and fro for focusing purposesalong said bed when so opened out, a range finder attached to saidcasing in fixed relation, said range finder including two mirrors bothafixedly housed upon the camera casing in constant functioning position,means actually mechanically connected at all times (i.e.whether thefinder and the camera mechanism are in use or are in closed position outof use), both to the said finder and to the said front support, andconstituting an operating connection whereby the focusing of the saidobjective lens and the functioning of the range finder aresimultaneously accomplished, and focusing-cam-means mounted upon thesaid wall of the camera casing that serves as a bed and so positionedthereon as to act upon said operating connection in the focusingmovement of the objective lens.

2. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewithhaving, in combination, a camera casing provided with a wall hingedthereto and adapted to be opened out through a ninety degree angle foruse as a bed, said casing having therein a front support for theobjective lens movable to and fro for focusing purposes along said bedwhen so opened out, said front support and cooperating camera partshaving means including scale means permitting any one of a plurality ofobjective lenses of different focal length to be mounted in said frontsupport and when so mounted to function with said range finder, a rangefinder attached to said camera casing in fixed relation and meansactually mechanically operatively connecting at all times said rangefinder and said front support, to cause the focusing of that one of saidobjective lenses which is in use and the functioning of the range finderto be simultaneously accomplished, and focusing-cam-means mounted uponthe said wall of the camera casing that serves as a bed and sopositioned thereon as to act in the focusing movement of the objectivelens, upon the said means that operatively connect at all times therange finder and the front support.

3. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewithhaving, in combination, a camera casing provided with a wall adapted tobe opened out for use as a bed, said casing having therein a frontsupport for the objective lens movable to and fro for focusing purposesalong said bed when so opened out, said front support having meanswhereby any one of a plurality of objective lenses of different focallength may be mounted thereon, a range finder attached to said casing infixed relation, means actually mechanically connected at all times (i.e. whether the finder and the camera mechanism are in use or are inclosed position out of use) both to the said finder and to the saidfixed support and constituting an operating connection whereby thefocusing of that one of said objective lenses which is in use and thefunctioning of the range finder are simultaneously accomplished, and acorresponding series of focusing cams permanently mounted on the saidwall' used as a bed, so as respectively to act upon said mechanicallyconnected means for the said objective lenses respectively, and by whichrespectively a range finder is caused to function.

4. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewithhaving in combination a camera casing provided with a wall adapted to beopened out for use as a bed, said casing having therein a front supportfor the objective lens, movable to and fro for focusing purposes alongsaid bed when so opened out, a range finder attached to the cameracasing in fixed relation and having a part movable in the functioning ofthe range finder, and means actually mechanically connected at all times(i. e. whether the finder and the camera mechanism are in use or are inclosed position out of use) both to the said finder and to the saidfront support and constituting an operating connection whereby thefocusing of the said objective lens and thefunctioning of the rangefinder are simultaneously accomplished, said mechanically connectedmeans including a member carried by the said front support extendingtransversely of said support and having movement only in a right linedirection, and focusing cam means carried by said bed to act upon saidmember in such right line direction.

5. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewithhaving in combination a camera casing provided with a wall adapted to beopened out for use as a bed, said casing having therein a front supportfor'the objective lens, movable to and fro for focusing purposes alongsaid bed when so opened out, a range finder attached to the cameracasing in fixed relation and having a part movable in the functioning ofthe range finder, said front support carrying a member extendingtransversely thereof and of said bed when so opened out, focusing cammeans to act upon and move said member in a direction lengthwise of saidmember, means to confine said member to a right line movement andoperating connections at all times connected to said member and to thesaid movable part of the range finder.

6. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewithhaving in combination a camera casing provided with a wall adapted to beopened out for use as a bed, said casing having therein a front supportfor the objective lens, movable to and fro for focusing purposes alongsaid bed, a range finder attached to the camera casing and having a partmovable in the functioning of the range finder, said front supporthaving an endwise movable member mounted upon the said front support ina position transverse to the said casing wall when opened out as a bed,focusing cam means upon said bed adapted to act upon said member in thepositioning of the said front support to move said member in alengthwise direction, and mechanical connections permanently joiningsaid member and such movable part of the range finder.

'7. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equippedtherewith'having in combination a camera casing provided with a walladapted to be opened out for use as a bed, said casing having therein afront support for the objective lens, movable to and fro for focusingpurposes along said bed, a range finder attached to the camera casingand having a part movable in the functioning of the range finder, saidfront support having an element connected thereto with capacity forrelative movment, focusing cam means mounted upon said camera wall thatwhen opened out functions as a bed, said focusing cam means beingadapted to act upon said element in the positioning of said frontsupport and to move the same, the said range finder having a housingtherefor which is fixedly secured to the top of the camera casing, and ashaft having its upper end in said housing and extending down into andsupported in the camera casing, said shaft being operatively connectedboth to said movable element and to such movable part of the rangefinder, whereby the focusing of the objective lens and the functioningof the range finder are simultaneously accomplished.

8. A camera mechanism having a casing and a range finder afiixedly builtthereto for permanent connection therewith, said mechanism including afront support for the objective lens that is movable to and fro forfocusing purposes, said casing having a wall foldably attached theretoso that it may be opened out for use as a bed, along which the saidfront support is movable,

as stated, for focusing purposes, a range finder permanently, aflixedlybuilt to said casing, said range finder having an optical groupincluding a pair of mirrors and an interposed negative lens, one ofwhich said three elements of the optical group is movably mounted in thesaid structure for range finding purposes, an endwise movable membermounted upon said front support in a position transverse to the saidadjacent wall when opened out as a bed, means to restrict said member toan endwise movement thereof in a direction transversely of said bed,mechanical connections permanently joining the movably mounted member ofthe range finder and the said endwise movablemember, and means acting inthe focusing of the objective lens upon said endwise movable member,whereby the function of the range finder and the focusing of theobjective lens are simultaneously accomplished.

9. A camera mechanism having a casing and a range finder ailixedly builtthereto for permanent connection thereon, said mechanism including afront support for the objective lens that is movable to and fro forfocusing purposes, said casing having a wall foldably attached thereto,so that it may be opened out for use as a bed, along which the saidfront support is movable, as stated, for focusing purposes, a rangefinder permanently, afiixedly built to said casing, said range finderhaving an optical group including a pair of mirrors and an interposednegative lens, one of which said three elements of the optical group ispivotally mounted in the said structure for range finding purposes, anendwise movable member mounted at the basal portion of the said frontsupport in a position transverse to the said adjacent wall when openedout as a bed, means to restrict said member to an endwise movement"thereof in a direction transversely of said bed,

mechanical connections permanently joining the pivotally mounted memberof the range finder and the said endwise movable member, and meansacting in the focusing of the objective lens upon said endwise movablemember, whereby the functioning of the range finder and the focusing ofthe objective lens are simultaneously accomplished.

10. A camera mechanism having a casing and a range finder aflixedlybuilt thereto for permanent connection thereon, said mechanism includinga front support for the objective lens that is movable to and fro forfocusing purposes, said casing having a wall foldably attached thereto,so that it may be opened out for use as a bed along which the said frontsupport is movable, as stated, for focusing purposes, a range finderpermanently, afiixedly built to said casing, said range finder having anoptical group including a a pair of members, one of which is'pivoted,and an interposed negative lens, a gear in mesh with the pivotalmounting of the said pivotal mirror, a shaft mounted in an uprightposition in the camera casing and on which said gear is mounted, anendwise movable member mounted upon said front support in a positiontransverse to the said adjacent wall when opened out as a bed, means torestrict said member to an endwise movement thereof in a directiontransversely of said bed, mechanical connections permanently joining thesaid shaft and the said endwise movable member, and means acting in thefocusing of the objective lens upon said endwise movable member wherebythe functioning of the range finder and the focusing of the objectivelens are simultaneously accomplished.

11. A camera mechanism having a casing and a range finder aiiixedlybuilt to the said casing for permanent connection therewith, a housingat the top of the camera wherein the said range finder is positioned,said camera mechanism including a front support for the objective lensthat is also movable to and fro for focusing purposes, said casinghaving a wall foldably attached thereto so that it may be opened out foruse as a bed along which the said front support is movable, as

stated, for focusing purposes, said range finder having an optical groupincluding a movable member, gearing connected to the said movable memberof the optical group, a shaft upright in said camera casing and carryinga member of said gearing, said shaft extending from the housing at thetop of the camera substantially to the base of the camera and locatedclosely adjacent to an upright wall of the camera inside the casing, anendwise movable member mounted upon the said front support in a positiontransverse to the said casing wall when the latter is opened out as abed, and mechanical connections permanently joining the movable memberof the optical group and the said endwise movable member, and meansacting in the focusing of the objective lens upon said endwise movablemember, whereby the functioning of the range finder and the focusing ofthe objective lens are simultaneously accomplished.

12. A range finder and camera mechanism functionally equipped therewith,having in combination, a camera casing provided with a wall adapted tobe opened out for use as a bed, said casing having therein a frontsupport for the objective lens movable to and fro for focusing purposesalong said bed when so opened'out, a range finder attached to saidcasing in fixed relation, said range finder including two mirrors bothfixedly housed upon the camera casing in constant functioning position,focusing-cammeans mounted upon the said wall of the camera casing thatserves as a bed, a movable element upon said front support and adapted,in the range finding operation, to move along, and itself to be movedby, said focusing-cam-means, and mechanical connections between saidmovable element and the said finder, whereby the focusing of theobjective lens and the functioning of the range finder aresimultaneously accomplished.

EDSON S. HINELINE.

